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The countdown has begun. Long Shopping lists. Baking. Wrapping gifts. Last minute stocking stuffers. Parking lots are full. That popular item on your list is out of stock. Black Friday turned into mayhem so cyber Monday seems to have been the best bet. Sound familiar? This is what Christmas season has become.
I’m reminded of the popular 1965 TV special: “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” Charlie Brown is frustrated because the Christmas pageant his friends put on is consumed with commercialism that detracts from the true meaning of Christmas. But when Linus takes the stage, he recites Luke 2:8-14: which says “And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were afraid. But the angel said to them, “FEAR NOT” for I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. Suddenly, a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Linus then walks over to his friend and says “That’s what Christmas is all about Charlie Brown.” Try to view this program again on TV, YouTube or DVD. Note that as Linus says “FEAR NOT”, he drops his security blanket. . A writer, Jason Soroski wrote an article called “Just Drop the Blanket” pointing this out. He suggests that Charles Schultz knew what he was doing when Linus dropped the blanket in such an artistically subtle way. Soroski writes that (this scene) suggests Jesus’ birth separates us from our fears. Jesus separates us from our habits we are unable or unwilling to break ourselves. Jesus allows us to simply drop the false security we have been grasping so tightly & learn to trust and cling to Him instead.
Have you decided to follow Jesus? Have you confessed those insecurities & bad habits that hinder your walk with Jesus? Your addictions? Your sinful behaviors? Your lusts? Your talk? Your conversations? Your online viewing? Your unethical work habits? Are you making good quality family time? Are you a model parent? What is your true character? Jesus came to provide a rescue for every human heart that will put his or her trust in Him and surrender to Him all unhealthy habits and sins. You don’t have to live in bondage to your sins anymore. Drop the false security blanket…..”Fear not”…..Confess to Jesus now. Receive a “new heart” now.
Jesus said in Mark 10:45 “…..I came to serve and to give (my) life as a ransom for many….” Christmas is not just the birth of someone whose example helped humanity, it’s the birth of THE ONE who saves humanity from itself…..and to “give His life as a ransom for many.” In a paradox of time, Easter’s hope gives rise to Christmas joy…..
Come & worship with us this Sunday & be lifted up in liberty…… [email-download-link namefield=”YES” id=”195″]
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